'Clock is ticking'

Sean Marshall, the councillor behind that move, said that he hoped that could be achieved as soon as possible.

"We need a dedicated team in place in Annan urgently to look at ways in which new jobs can be created, either by expanding existing businesses or bringing new ones to the area," he said.

"There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to explore options for the future of the Pinneys site itself.

"However, the clock is ticking, so the work I proposed needs to start urgently and that team needs to be in place sooner rather than later."

Absolute commitment

Mr Davidson added that there remained optimism that a buyer could be found.

"There is positive and credible interest in acquiring the plant from a number of parties - that is to say companies and investors - who are looking at the possibilities there very seriously," he said.

"We don't yet know what the outcome is going to be but the commitment that was made by the council and Scottish government right at the beginning of this when the announcement was made remains absolute.

"We will pursue absolutely every option - we are ruling nothing out.

"We are in this for the long term so far as supporting the workforce and the wider community of Annan is concerned."